Maragua: The Deputy County Commissioner (DCC) of Murang'a South sub-county has issued a stern warning to the public, urging vigilance and due diligence in land transactions amid a surge in fraudulent activities by individuals posing as legitimate landowners.
According to Kenya News Agency, during the 62nd Madaraka Day celebrations in Maragua, DCC Gitonga Murungi highlighted the issue as a complex network of deception involving impersonators using forged documents and elaborate schemes to defraud buyers. The authorities and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations are actively working to dismantle these syndicates and prosecute those involved.
Murungi advised potential buyers to insist that sellers accompany them to the Land Control Board, cautioning that land searches presented by sellers could be forgeries. He warned against paying for land in cash without evidence and emphasized that no more than ten percent of the land's value should be paid before appearing before the Land Control Board. He stressed the importance of having all payments supported by proper documentation and verifiable evidence.
The DCC also recommended consulting the area chief before purchasing land, as they are often knowledgeable about local land status and ownership. Meanwhile, John Kanda from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations urged the public to share any information that could help expose fraudsters, revealing that a suspect involved in a Sh10 million fraud was recently apprehended and is assisting with investigations.